Paris Saint-Germain will host Manchester City at the Parc des Princes on Wednesday in a crucial Champions League clash, likely the most significant of matchday seven.
Initially seen as a formality, this game now carries heavy importance for both teams following disappointing starts to their European campaigns.
Despite a 2-1 win over Red Bull Salzburg on matchday six, PSG remain in a precarious position, sitting just outside the top 24 with seven points.
A loss to City would leave their qualification hopes in jeopardy ahead of their final match at Stuttgart.
However, their confidence has been boosted by an eight-match winning streak in all competitions since their Salzburg victory, and they are clear at the top of Ligue 1.
PSG’s only previous victory over City came in their last meeting at home, a 2-0 win despite recording only six shots on goal.
PSG coach Luis Enrique has a strong record against City boss Pep Guardiola, winning three of their five encounters, including two with margins of three goals or more.
Manchester City’s form mirrors PSG’s, with a slow start in Europe that also affected their domestic results.
However, after four wins in five matches, they appear to be recovering. City’s back-to-back away losses in the Champions League, to Sporting Lisbon and Juventus, have left them teetering on the edge of qualification.
While their recent form in the Premier League, including an 8-0 FA Cup victory and a 6-0 thrashing of Ipswich, has been impressive, their chances of a late title charge now seem unlikely, making progress in Europe all the more vital.
City sit just above PSG in the playoff spots, one point ahead, but could be overtaken by Stuttgart or PSV before their game.
They need to recover from heavy defeats earlier in the group stage to stay in contention.
PSG have concerns over Marquinhos and Achraf Hakimi, both absent through January, while Ousmane Dembele is expected to return after illness.
New signing Khvicha Kvaratskhelia is unavailable for the group stage but may be a factor in the knockout rounds.
Coach Enrique faces a selection dilemma up front, with Goncalo Ramos and Desire Doue competing for a spot, though Doue is favored.
For City, Nathan Ake missed their recent games due to a muscle issue, and John Stones is still recovering from an ankle injury.
Manuel Akanji and Ruben Dias may continue in defense.
Rodri remains sidelined with a long-term injury, while new signings Omar Marmoush and Abdukodir Khusanov are only available for domestic duties.
Possible Starting Lineups:
PSG: Donnarumma, Hakimi, Pacho, Hernandez, Nuno Mendes, Zaire-Emery, Vitinha, Fabian Ruiz, Dembele, Doue, Barcola
Man City: Ederson, Lewis, Ruben Dias, Akanji, Gvardiol, Bernardo Silva, Kovacic, De Bruyne, Foden, Haaland, Savinho